Our Little Star

Calleigh really enjoyed camping ... she seemed much more content living outdoors : )

I wonder if she will be the "outdoors-y" type as she gets older?!?!?

Camp Chores

This year we had another set of hands to help with the camp chores. Colin also liked to sweep out the tent and help with recycling.

The Rodeo Review

Both Colin and Calleigh were decked out for the Wednesday Night Family Rodeo. We found this little cowgirl outfit at the Sports Corral and Aunt Sissa gave her the boots.

Colin got a new hat AND a pony ride.

We started the evening at Ember's Brew House for dinner ...


And then off to the rodeo ...

Wallowa Treats

We definitely have Wallowa treat traditions. In the early years we would enjoy marshmallows and s'mores with the kids ... but as soon as they went to bed ... out came the gourmet treats : )
I think we have tried every campfire delicacy ... hot dogs (plain, stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon), a baked potato with all the toppings imaginable, every form of dessert ... s'mores using (frosting, snickers and other candy bars), pineapple upside-down-cake, baked apples -- just to name a few. As we've aged, we just can't seem to eat that much late at night anymore. Now our top treat / lunch(!) is an occasional ice cream cone from Joe's or the Swiss Village. My favorite is Mt. Huckleberry. Sure tastes good on a hot day.

Seems like we always celebrate a couple of birthdays while camping. Neil's on Sunday and mine on Tuesday. We enjoyed our new "camping cake" idea ... cupcakes, ding-dongs, and twinkies -- yum : ) Always a fun place for a party!
Notice the new Barbie ... Country Kicks Barbie!

Wallowa Weather

Is that fog ?!?!? This year the nearby fires left a haze around the lake resembling fog. The Myers caught a picture of lake where it appeared rather eerie.
In many of our pictures, the sky looks very gray and cloudy ... when we actually had temps in the 90's.

We did have one thunderstorm event on Thursday evening ... lightning, thunder, showers, wind ... but by morning -- the sunshine and blue skies were back. Fortunately, we didn't have any water or wind damage this trip!

Bathing Beauty

One of the advantages of the warm weather ...

Calleigh could enjoy a lakeside bath in her new bathing suit.

Wallowa Playground

This year Colin discovered the playground. It's actually pretty close to our sites, giving each of us the opportunity to take him down to "swing" ... Although, Dad was by far his favorite choice! : )


So much to do at Wallowa!

The swing in this picture became "my swing" and several times we had to wait our turn when it was in use.

Lakeside Lounging

These are a few of our favorite things ... down at the lake ...
relax, read, play games, nap, chat, floaties, ... just getting "refreshed" -- unwind. Sunday morning started out very hot in our site so we headed down to the lake early.

This year Colin and Dad spent hours with a tugboat on a stream that he named, "the waterfall."

Colin also made a new friend, Mr. Chris who played Tracball with him and "earthquake" on a floatie.

There's just no place equal to the fun we have down at the lake!

Destination: Wallowa Lake

Here we are ... stuck in The Dalles! We stopped for a quick breakfast at McDonald's and missed our exit by 5 minutes ... The Dalles Parade started at 10:00 a.m. We had to wait until it was over to get back on the road again. Due to other circumstances we didn't arrive at our campsite until after 5:00 p.m. Thanks to Doug, giving us a helping hand, we were set up faster than any other year in our Wallowa history. He also provided us with a week's worth of firewood. Thanks, Doug! It was a great start to one of our best years at the lake : )

Photoshop Elements

Instead of sticking to my summer "to-do" list I've been playing around with Photoshop Elements and I'm starting to get the hang of the program. In the past month I have been getting familiar with digital scrapbooking sites and have subscribed to quite a few of them. I am finding them very helpful with tutorials, free templates and layout ideas.
The layout of Colin was a tutorial online and the template was provided with step-by-step instructions. Of course, I had a great subject to work with -- Colin! I changed the picture to sepia because his shirt was royal blue and a little too bright for the background paper. It looked much better with that change.
I found the template I used for "Princess Calleigh" at a site for Let's Scrap International. It was a bit more advanced with the 6 picture frames and I couldn't have done it without Walt's help. I changed the background and added all the other pieces from freebies I've found on the internet. it does help to have great photos (thanks, Michelle) and a darling subject -- Calleigh!
I'm enjoying my summer -- being "stretched" with new technology and techniques! Very F U N !

Camp Namanu

This week I'm concentrating on cleaning out desks, closets and cupboards and I'm finding myself distracted by old photos, memorabilia, etc. I found an old envelope with all the receipts for Campfire Camp. From 1963-66 I spent summers of fun at Camp Namanu starting in Sherwood and ending in Pioneer. Camp Namanu is located about an hour from Portland near the Sandy and Bull Run rivers. Once only available to girls (when I attended) -- it is now a coed camp.
There are so many good memories ... canoeing on the pond, nature letters to Mr. Skriggleboggle, weaving & craft classes, stargazing, hiking ... so many activities packed in our week.
Mail call was always something to look forward to. I still have the letters I received while at camp in my childhood scrapbook. The first year I went it was a little sad to only get one letter and the content did not make sense. It mentioned, "Brian is now sitting in a highchair." -- the only Brian I knew was someone my age. Come to find out ... another girl at camp and I had the same name and she received all the mail sent to me! My family had written everyday!
In 1987 I took my boys to an Open House at Camp Namanu so they could "see" the stories I have shared with them about my camping experiences as a young girl. I was amazed at how small the duck pond was and the stargazing tower had always seemed so high. We walked the hiking trails I once believed to be so long, so steep etc. It's funny how things look through the eyes of a child : )
I've included pictures of the boys from that fun day. Brian was the same age as when I first went to camp.I noticed on their website that they still hold open houses. It would be fun to go back again. Maybe this time my camper buddy, Paula can join me!

Girl Talk

Calleigh is starting to interact with us in "conversation." In this picture at the zoo she's trying so hard to tell Grandma something with "cooing." It's fun to watch her facial expression when talking to her. A precious moment.

Family Zoo Day

We enjoyed an awesome family day at the zoo Saturday - minus Matt(hiking) and Rae (Eugene). Hopefully they can join us next time.
We haven't been to the zoo in years and so much has changed! It seems much greener with the landscaping -- not as much cement and cages as from the past -- and much
more family-friendly. Even though it was a very hot day, we felt cool and refreshed at the exhibits. After enjoying this all day event, we're hoping to visit again soon!

Ki-a-Kuts Pedestrian Bridge

We just got home from a new adventure. We have lived in this city for 18 years and today we explored areas we never knew existed. With Matt as our guide, we walked across the new pedestrian bridge -- it opened June 23rd -- found Durham Park (new to me), and then over to Cook Park. What a beautiful area they have created there ... a butterfly garden, soccer and baseball fields, nice restrooms and covered picnic area. An added bonus -- we crossed paths with the Moores and had a nice visit. It was a pleasant evening for exploring and felt good to walk after our Mongolian Grill lunch with Matt.
This 223-acre area has been a long awaited project connecting our 3 communities. Now you don't have to go far to enjoy a great hike or bike ride.

Fabulous Fourth

Our holidays are steeped in tradition and the Fourth is no exception.
Since the mid-eighties we have celebrated the Fourth at Lewisville Park in Battleground followed by fireworks at Ft. Vancouver. We have the timing and plan down to a science – perfected over the years. BUT … this year we had to “readjust” our plans and go with the flow!
Everything seemed in place … wonderful weather, two cars packed with family members, BBQs, coolers and all the essentials for a fabulous Fourth. As we approached the exit for the park, we realized we would be facing Plan B this year. Cars lined the highway shoulder in both directions and there was a slow moving line at the entrance of the park. Due to overwhelming demand, only those with reservations would be admitted. After making a big u-turn and sitting in the nearby Safeway parking lot …hot, tired and clueless about an alternate park plan ... we finally decided to try Battleground Lake State Park. Even though the sign stated the parking lot was full we patiently waited -- a very short time -- for an opening. We found a great shady spot to BBQ and enjoyed an amazing meal. I remember a previous visit to this lake the summer I was pregnant with Brian – 30 years ago : )
Near dusk we headed to Vancouver to watch the fireworks and as always … Plan A worked out. As we spread our blankets and got settled, I heard someone calling my name. Sitting right behind us was the entire Dooms family –minus Cathy. What a delight it was to visit with them and meet all their grandchildren. We seem to keep crossing paths with Dennis and Brenda (from our youth group-now in their late 30s. I’m feeling old!) … but it’s usually at Original Taco House.
We enjoyed a wonderful family day and learned a few lessons along the way --
flexibility: characterized by a ready capability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements.

Sometimes Plan B is a better plan!

The Oregon Coast (?)

Yep … that’s our feet in the normally frigid, numbing water on the Oregon coast but on Tuesday the ocean water temp was a mild 66 degrees. It was the most perfect, awesome day at the beach. Only thing missing – Walt’s wave jumping buddy, Don!

Thirty-three

We left Sunday on our thirty-third anniversary getaway to Cannon Beach. I believe this is our third year in a row to spend time down here -- two at the Inn at Cannon Beach and one at a "spiritual retreat" cabin we bid on at an auction. We loved the time we had there too ... very small, no TV, no phone ... a great place for R & R -- to unwind.
I am sitting on our deck that overlooks the garden area. The skies are blue, temperatures are warm and there's a hint of a breeze. Life is good : )
We're packing up and getting ready to spend the day on the beach before heading home. It has been a great to spend time with my best and dearest friend! I am so thankful for the thirty-three year "journey" and all the joy, ups and downs, etc. we've shared on the "road."

RSS Feed

Tim is always introducing me to new technology. One of my favorites is NewsNetWire Lite. It allows me to keep up on my favorite blogs, topics, crafts, recipes etc. without manually searching for each one -- new updates are displayed similar to an email "inbox." It's a great time saver!
Many people have asked me what an RSS Feed is ...
Wikipedia describes it as -- "RSS (which, in its latest format, stands for "Really Simple Syndication") is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually."
RSS content can be read using software called a "feed reader" -- I am using NewsNetWire Lite for MAC and it can be downloaded for free at this address: http://www.newsgator.com/Individuals/NetNewsWire
Wikipedia also describes how you can subscribe to a feed by entering the feed's link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon in a browser that initiates the subscription process. You can check the feeds you have subscribed to regularly for new content, downloading any updates that it finds.
Since I enjoy scrapbooking I have subscribed to several sites such as:
posts to del.icio.us tagged "scrapbooking" enabling me to check out sites I do not have time to search for
pictures tagged "scrapbooking" in flickr! -- some great layout ideas
digital scrapbooking layouts, feebies, tutorials etc.
blogs of my favorite scrapbooking artists
If you are a MAC user, give this a try. You will be amazed at what you will find!

Historical Fiction

The Dear America series, written for grades 5-9, is very popular with grade school children. Many of the diaries in the series date back to 1620 … 1777 … 1859 … 1864 … etc. But nothing prepared me for the discovery of one written about my generation. I am now HISTORICAL fiction!!!
“Where Have All The Flowers Gone? The Diary of Molly MacKenzie Flaherty” focuses on the time period between Christmas 1967 through May 1968. It is a time of war in Vietnam, unrest in the United States: hippies; demonstrations; the assassinations of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Robert Kennedy etc.
Suddenly I’m feeling very old!

Father's Day Fun

After church we enjoyed a Father's Day dinner at Friday's. Colin got to sit with the "big" guys -- his uncles, dad and grandpa.

I think Calleigh had a little too much celebrating for one day :)
Our final family destination -- a shopping trip to Woodburn. Our day was packed with so much JOY!

Calleigh's Family Dedication

Sunday was a special day for our family. We were not only celebrating Father's Day but Calleigh's Family dedication at Potter's Hands. What an awesome service -- nice to have Uncle Tim, Uncle Matt and Great-Grammy join us!

Family Day

Instead of our usual Memorial Day celebration at Sunriver, we enjoyed a family day at our house Monday. It was so nice to get everyone together for food, fun and fellowship. We enjoyed a build-your-own-taco buffet and once our dinner settled we walked up to the park. Colin loves to kick the soccer ball around with the guys and play on the equipment.

We even had time for a competitive round of Left-Center-Right, Sorry and Scrabble --
plus leisurely reading a good book out on the deck.
It was hard to see the day come to and end ... it was a little too quiet after everyone left ... loved spending the day with those we love :)

Memorial Day Weekend

It has been a tradition to go to Sunriver with our family for Memorial Day Weekend. But this year with Calleigh due so close to the holiday, we decided to take a year off. It's amazing how quiet the neighborhood is ... we feel like the only ones home! We have many projects to finish so we have not been bored : )


We have been working on our deck handrail and it took most of our Saturday to finish.
Today we're adding copper post tops giving it a completed look. The next phase will be the stairs. It will be nice to have some BBQs soon. I can almost smell the aroma of dinner cooking now : )

Goin' Digital

I finally picked up a copy of Creating Keepsakes, "Computer Tricks for Scrapbooking," and sat down Saturday morning with laptop and coffee in hand exploring Photoshop Elements. My next scrapbooking project was the Potter's Hands First Gathering. The first skill I worked on was resizing a photo and adding a frame. My favorite new tool was the curved journaling line, giving it a whimiscal touch and the circle text. These are all things that I really can't do by hand. It's the best of both worlds ... I can print out a partially completed page and then add papers, fibers, embellishments etc. for a great finished product. I have been using my computer as an additional scrapbooking tool for a couple of years ... using WordArt etc. but this will definitely make some changes in my scrapbooking style. I have a lot to learn but I'm taking it one step at a time.

Study Basket

At our Spring Women's Retreat our speaker encouraged us to get our Bible study "tools" organized in a basket. This gives portability with no more excuses in finding a quiet spot for devotions or study. So ... months have gone by and I just haven't been able to find the PERFECT basket ... too small ... too short ... too square. BUT last week I found THE perfect basket at Michaels with a bonus of 50% off : ) I love a bargain!
I've filled my basket with the following: NIV/Message Parallel Bible, study book, journal, pencil holder (with pencil, pen, highlighter and post-it-notes), index cards-spiral bound and notecards. I love all the organizational tools and products at the office supply stoes.

It's awesome ... instead of gathering everything up for Tuesday's Bible Study .. I can just carry this out to the car and be on my way. I'm also thinking how nice it will be to carry it out to our new deck during my summer break and have everything at hand. Only 19 more days ... but who's counting??? : )

Best Mother's Day Ever

We spent all day at the hospital yesterday awaiting the birth of baby Calleigh. She arrived at 3:30 p.m. weighing 7lbs 13oz. and 20 in. She's a beauty ... what a precious gift!


Big brother Colin did an awesome job during the 9 1/2 hour wait and enjoyed meeting his new sister!

Kennedy 40

What an awesome day ... our 40-year grade school reunion turned out great. It was fun decorating the room with memorabilia -- I kept so many things from my childhood ... even had my 8th-grade graduation dress on display ... a yellow polka-dot tent dress. Anyone remember those?!?!
We met in Mrs. Stanley's second grade classroom (our school is now a McMenamins.) What fun -- to watch each person walk through the door ... many squeals and hugs. Some were surprises -- we didn't know if they were going to attend or not. One of the nicest surprises was our 8th grade teacher and his wife. As a new teacher, we were his first class and we attended his wedding the summer following our graduation. They brought pictures of us posing with the bride and groom, decorating their car, etc. Many fun memories!

With only a few hours available we reminisced about old school stories and classmates, took a group photo, toured our school building and shared where life has taken us over the last 40 years.
It was fun reconnecting with old friends and classmates. We definitely want to do this again. Maybe in 2009 ... The Summer of 42.

Formal Night

(Pictured with Greg & Ronda)
One of the highlights of the cruise was Formal Night. How often do we get to dress up, enjoy a nice dinner and good company? We were blessed to share a dining table with a nice Christian family from California and our wait staff was awesome. It made our dining experience so enjoyable!
I would like to start saving for a Mediterranean Cruise to celebrate our 35th anniversary. I have always dreamed of going to Italy : )

Cruisin ...

I never thought I would enjoy a cruise. ... I tend to get motion sick and it always seemed like a crowded, confining vacation.
But once we were on board, we were "hooked." In my mind I could not imagine the massive size and elegance of the ship before boarding. We spent the first afternoon just exploring every area -- inside and out.
We cruised down to San Diego the first night and arrived to strong winds canceling many of the port activities. After missing the Catalina stop we enjoyed a Sea Day and relief from swells and seasickness. I was so thankful I had a prescription patch to wear ... never got seasick. To describe how rough the swells were ... I had to hold on to the hand bar in the shower to keep my balance ... the boat was rocking and rolling! Many of our fellow cruisers were too sick to come to dinner that evening and the staff was kept busy cleaning the carpets etc.
This 4-day cruise was a good endurance test! We definitely want to go again ...

Santa Catalina is A-waitin' for Me ...

Twenty-six miles across the sea
Santa Catalina is a-waitin' for me
Santa Catalina, the island of romance
Romance, romance, romance ........
Hmmmmm ... that's right ... it will still be a-waiting for me ....
We booked a 4-day cruise over Spring Break with the intention of seeing Catalina Island. We tried to work it in to our 30th Anniversary vacation in 2004 but it didn't work out. I thought this would be a sure thing BUT due to weather conditions it was canceled. What a disappointment! In talking to cruise staff, the Catalina stop has never been canceled in the 3 years they've been onboard! With the rough seas, even as disappointing as it was, I wouldn't have wanted to get in one of the transports : 0 Safety first!
Well ... I'm thinking ... perhaps we now have an excuse to cruise again ... third times a charm?!?!?!

Family Reunion

Before setting sail we joined our southern California family members for breakfast in San Pedro. We enjoyed 3 short hours of catching up on several years of life ... some we haven't seen in nearly 2 decades! What an awesome bon voyage ... surrounded by those we love.

Spring Break Road Trip

Life has been moving at a whirlwind pace since we returned from our cruise.
We hit the road as soon as school let out the Friday before Spring Break and headed down I-5 south in a rented van, passports in hand (a long story !), suitcases packed and much anticipation of a new adventure. It has been years since we've enjoyed a road trip together. Except for the high gas prices, it was a fun and relaxing vacation.
Since most of our past travels to California have always been in the summer, it was nice to see the terrain during the spring. All of those golden hills were lush green and the temperatures were mildly pleasant.
As we traveled to the Bay area we felt carefree listening to a book on tape ... I "knit-and purled" the miles away trying to get Calleigh's baby blanket completed before we returned home.

A Season of Reunions ... UNILIT

I came home from work today to find a voicemail about a UNILIT reunion in June. WOW ... it has been 30 years since working there and haven't seen most of my fellow workers since leaving a month before Brian was born.
UNILIT, United Literature, was a Christian book supplier between bookstores and publishers and had five branches across the US. I worked in Inventory Control for 3 years. During that time it sold to Tyndale House Publishers and years later sold to Spring Arbor. I've always wondered what my fellow coworkers ended up doing in the years following.
The odd thing ... for some reason today a memory from UNILIT was brought to mind ... my bosses first daughter was born on May 7th while I worked there ... I was wondering about their family after all these years ... and then I check my voicemail to find info about the reunion! Wow!
I've always thought it would be fun to have a reunion with these former coworkers. It will be fun to see who shows up ... I'm really looking forward to it.